Zanna Don’t, Old Joint Stock Theatre Review
Written by Clare for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
When looking for something to do in Birmingham this festive season, there is no better place to look than the Old Joint Stock Pub and Theatre for their production of Zanna Don’t.
Set in a different world where everyone is gay, where the chess champion is one of the most popular people, the football team’s star quarterback is struggling to find his place in the high school totem pole and the school musical is the place to be. When play stirs up controversy with an original production of a story focusing on straight people in the military, it also stirs romance between a young man and woman. It is therefore down to Zanna to wave their magical wand to help true love to everyone whether they be a he, she or they.
This humorous show, with book and lyrics by Alexander Dinelaris and music, book, and lyrics by Tim Acito, has a fun feeling to it. Its catchy songs, complete with floor-shaking choreography (literally) by David Winters, had nearly everything you could wish for.
The excellent eight-strong cast led by Jack Gittins in the role of Zanna, who amazingly stepped in 36 hours before the opening performance were a joy to watch them shine. Each member of the cast stood out, a few favourites of mine being Lou Destanque as Roberta with her love of power tools, defending her woman and being true and loyal, Josephina Ortiz Lewis as Tank, a DJ who helps love blossom but hasn’t found it themselves and Adam Makepeace as Mike, who puts forward the idea for a play about heterosexuality but at a cost to himself. The cast’s energy was 10/10 and perfect for a crazy Friday night near Christmas.
Directed by Scott Le Crass, this show is a fun watch worth a visit this festive season, playing at the Old Joint Stock until 15th December 2024.
★★★★
